Herbert a



May 17 1927. 1,629,187

H. A. WALLACE RAILWAY TRAFFIC CONTROLLING APPARATUS Filed May 25, 1923 v; mvsm'on :3 figxmw Caz-M MW ATTORNEY r it Patented May 17, 1927i.

UNITED STATES PATENT. OFFICE.

HERBERT A. WALLACE, Q1 EDGE'W OOD BOROUGH, PENNSYLVANIA, ASSIGNOR TO UNION SWITCH 8c SIGNAL COMPANY, OF SWISSVALE, PENNSYLVANIA, A COR- ronnTIoN OF PENNSYLVANIA.

RAILXVAY-TRAFFIC CONTROLLING APPARATUS.

Application filed May 25, 1923. Serial No. 641,388.

lily. invention relates to railway traffic controlling apparatus, and particularly to apparatus of the type wherein train carried governing mechanism is controlled by energy received from the trackway.

In one arrangement of apparatus of the type mentioned, it has been suggested to employ the usual track circuit current, that is,

wherein tratlic on each track normally moves. in one direction only, this requirement is readily met in so far as train movements in the normal direction are concerned,'because the source of track circuit current for each section of track is then connected across the rails adjacent the exit end of each section in accordance with standard practice in automatic block signaling. In the case of single track roads, however, it necessary for trains to proceed over thctraclzin both directions, and in such instances with only the trackivay apparatus thus mentioned, trains moving in one direction would not receive track circuitcurrent. One feature of my invention is the provision of means located in the trackway for-connecting a source of track circuit current across the rails at either end of each section, thus permitting train movements in both directions over a single track. i

T will. describe one form of traclrway apparatus embodying my invention, and will them-point out the novel features thereof in cla ms.

The accompanying drawing is a diagrammatic view showing one form and arrangement of railway traflic controlling apparatus'embodying my invention.

Heft-wring to the drawing, the reference characters 2 and 2 designate the track rails of a railroad over which trail-lo moves in both directions. These rails are divided by means of insulated joints 1 into plurality of track sections A----B, E U, C wll etc,

Each track section is provided with a track transformer designated by the reference character T with an exponent corresponding to the location, the secondary winding 3 of which connected across the rails adjacent the left hand end of the section. Interposed between the left hand terminalof this secondary winding 3 and the rail 2? is an impedance 5, one function of which is to limit the output of transformer T when the associated section is occupied by a train. l-mother similar transformer, designated by the reference character U with an exponent corresponding to, the location, is provided for each section, and the secondary winding 7 of each such transformer is connected across the rails adjacent the right hand end of the associated section. An impedance 6 similar to impedance 5 is interposed between the right handterminal of winding 7 and rail 2. Two track relays designated by the reference characters R and S with exponents corresponding to the location are provided at the left hand and right hand end of each section. Each section is further provided with a line relay designated by the reference character H with an exponent corresponding to the location, and also with a stick relay and a repeater relay designated hy the reference characters E and G, respec- 'tively, with exponents corresponding to the locations.

Referring particularly to section BC, the relay B is connected across the rails adjacent the left hand end of-the section. Since this relay is thus connected directly across the secondary terminals of transformer T an impedance 9 is inserted in, the relay circuit whereby relay R is protected from excessive voltage. The relay S is provided, with a circuit which passes from the rail'Qf, through wire 41, relay 5%, wire 40, back contact 3739 of repeater relay G and wire to rail 2. This circuit is former T impedance 5, rails Q'a-nd 2 and the winding of relay S At the same time relay B is energized directly from transformer T The primary winding 4: of transformer T is provided with. a. circuit which This circuit is closed only when relay E is" ole-energized. A branch is provided for this circuit which passes froni, wire .55., through wire '56 front contact- 23'28 of relay H and wire 51 backtowire {i l The circuit through this branch is closed only when relav {B is enewizcd. V The )rimar u b i winding 12 of transfm'mer F is constantly connected to two line wires 79 fed by an alternating current generator 80. it follows that section BC ircvided with track circuit current by"transformer T when rclay H is enel 'iaed, or relay E is de-energized, Relay H is pror' with a circuit. which passes from the lc.i and terminal of secondary winding 11 of line transformer J through wires 43, 6?, 6t and (iiirelay H wire 63, front contact 18-=20 of rclay R Wire 42, front contact -l-.7%l8 ofrelay S and wires 69 and 68, back to the right hand terminal of secondary ll of transformer J It follows, then, that relay H is energized only when relays R and S are both energized. The primary winding 10 of this transformer J is constantly connected to the line wires 79. Stick relay E is provided with a pick-up circuit which passes from the left "hand terminal of sec ondary winding 13 of transformer F throughwires 6i" and (i2, relay E wires 77 and 60, front contact 2' :l2 27 of relay H wire 75, back contact l6-50 of relay S and wire 45, back to the right hand terminal or secondary winding 13 of transformer F This'circuitis closed only-when relay H energized and relay S is (lo-energized. A stick circuit is provided also for relay 11 passing from the left hand terminal of secondary winding 13 v of transformer F through wires (57 and 62, relay E wires 77 and 61, front contact 2S)-32, wire 53, back contact 19-L2 of relay R and wires 52. 51 and 4 1, back to the right hand terminal of'secondary winding 13 of trans with, an impedance 9, when. relay H is de-energized and relay E is energized the impedanee 9 is shunted by the circuit through contact 2i 26 of relay H and contact 30-73301? relay E and relay B is their 11 of transformer J gized in each section.

connected directly to the rails. The primary 8 of the track transformer U is provided with a circuit which passes from the left handterminal of secondary winding 11 of transformer J through wires 73 and 71, winding 8, wire 76, front contact 36-3S of relay G and wires 81 and (58 back to the right hand terminal of secondary winding It is therefore evident that the section. B-O is supplied with track circuit current from transformer U only when relay (i is energized. Relay G is provided. with a circuit which passes from the left hand terminal of secondary winding of tram formcr F through wires 4t!) m 7 i: 7

and 72 relay G, wire 7 f, hack contact ffit) of relay ti, vire l-L. hack contact 182l. of relay R wire 5 1- front contact bl iie; of relay E and wire tiff, back to the right land terminal of secretary winding 13 of transfornjier F llhis-circui t is closed only when relay E is "energized and relays R and S are both e-energized.

The operation of the complete apparatus is as follows: As shown in the drawing, all the apparatus is in the norn'ial condition, that is, none of the track sections illustrated in the figure are occupied. Under this condition the two track relays R and S for each section are energized, line relay H for each section is also energized, while the stick relay E and its associated repeater G are de-ener- As a result, transformer T is energized, transformer U is deenergized, and the shunt circuit around impedance 9 is open. I will now assume that a train, proceeding from left to right, enters section AB. This will tie-energize both track relays R and S. The de-energization of the track relay S closes the circuit for the stick relay E tl'iroughthe contact 40 50, so that relay E becomes energized. This causes no change, however, in the apparatus for section B C because transformer T remains energized through contact 23-28 of relay H. As the train enters section B-C, it shunts track relays R and S thereby causing both of these relays to become (lo-energized. The de-energzation of relay R closes the stick circuit for stick relay E so that this relay remains energized as long as the train occupies section BC.' The de-energization of relays R and S opens the circuit for line relay H, so that this relay becomes (:le-energized. lelay H being de-energized, and relay E being energized. the low resistance shunt around impedance 9 is closed and remains closed until thetrain leaves the section. Repeater relay Gr becomes ener e l because track relaysR and S are both de-energized, and stick relay E is energized. The repeater relay'G therefore, functions to disconnect track relay S from the track ails and to connect the primary 8 of transformer U. with the secondary of transformer J, thereby supplying track circuit current to the rails at the right hand end of section It will be seen, therefore, that as soon as the train enters section B C, a source of track circuit current is connected across therails at theright hand end of the section. As he rear end of the train leaves sect-ion BC, track relay R will be come energized by track circuit current from transformer U,- and the enere ization of track relay 1 will open stick relay E, so that the primary of t1'ansforn'un: T again supplied with current. The energization of track relay R. will also Clo-euergize repeater relay G, and the de-energization of the latter relay serves to disconnect the primary of transformer U from its source of current and to connect track relay S across the rails. This track relay will immediately become energized, due to track circuit current from transformer T Both track relays R and S thus being energized, relay H again becomes energized and the parts of the apparatus associated with section BC are then restored to their normal conditions.

l Vhen a train movin from right to left enters track section B-C, it de-energizes both trackrelays R and S Line relay H is, of course, (lo-energized due to the open ing of the track relays. Stick relay E can; not now be energized because its circuit is open'at contact 9/l27' of relay H3 so that transforn'ier T continues to supply track circuit current to the rails. Repeater rela' G remains tleenergized, so that track relay S remains connected across the rails and the circuit for the primary of transforn'ier U remains open. Asthe train passes out of section BC, track relays R and S become energized, and line relay H becomes (BI'lGI'QlZQfl, whereupon the parts of the apparatus associated. with this source are restored to their normal condition.

It will be seen, therefore, that a train moving in either direction is constantly supplied with track circuit current from a source located at the end of the section toward which the train is proceeding, 7

Referring now to a train moving fror-ii left to right, it will he noted that stick relay E becomes energized while the train is in section A. ll, but that the track circuit apparatus for section B-C is not reversed until line relay H is (lo-energized by the train aclnall y entering section l'3.C.

By virtue of my invention I am enabled to provide for reversal of track circuits without trackway signals and. without the provision of slow-acting repeating means for therline relay H. p

Although I have herein shown and described only one form and arrangement of railway traffic controlling apparatus embodying my invention, it is understood tha various changes and modifications may be made therein, within the scope of the up pended claims without departing from the spirit and scope of my invention.

Having thus described my invention,.what I claim is: I y

1. In combination, a right hand and a left hand section of railway track, a track relay for said left hand section, a stick relay for said right hand section, means for enersizing said. stick relay as soon as said track relay is (lo-energized by a train in the left hi-1nd section moving toward the right hand section, and apparatus controlled in partby said stickrelay for supplying train governing current to therails of said forward sec.- tion.

2. In combination, a forward and a rear section of railway track, a track relay for said rear section, a source of alternating cur- .reut normally connected across the rails adjacent the rear end of said forward section, a second source of alternating current located adjacent the forward end of said forward section but normally disconnected therefrom, a stick relay for said forward section, means for energizing said stick rclay as soon assaid track relay is de-energized by a tram 1n the rear section moving toward the forward.section,-and means controlled in part by said stick relay for disconnecting said first source from andconnectingr said second source to the rails of said forward section when the train enters said forward section. I

In combination, a forward and a rear section of railway track, a track relay. for said rear section, a sou cc of alternating current normally connected across the rails adjarelay for c isoonnectinp; said first source from i and connecting said second. source to the rails of the section. V

4. In combination, two adjacent sections J\-B and B(. of railway track,.two track relays R. and '5 adjacent the ends of said section 13-0,. the former constantly connected with the track rails, means at each end of said section BC forsupplying alternat ing current to the track rails. a stick relay E for said section B-C, a track relay S for section A+B, aline relay for section BC controlled bysaid. track relays R and S, a circuitforsaid stick relay including a front contact of said line relay and aback contact of said. track relay S and, means controlled.

=T B and B-C, a track relay for section A-B,

a relay for section BC normally energized but de-energized by a train entering the section, an auxiliary relay for section BC, a pick-up circuit for said auxiliary relay closed only when said track relay is deenergized, means for normally supplying track circuit current to one end of section B-C, and means effective only when said auxiliary relay is energizedand said second relay is ClG-QIIQI'glZGd to discontinue said supply of current and to supply track circuit current to the opposite end'of section 13-0.

6. In combination, a left hand track section A E and a right hand track section B-I], a track relay for section A-B, a relay for section B C normally energized but de-energized by aftrain entering the section, a stick relay for section B-C, a pick-up circuit for said stick relay closed only when said track relay is open, a holding circuit for said stick relay controlled by a back contact of said second relay, and apparatus for section B-C controlled by said stick relay and by said second relay for controlling traffic moving fromleft to r 7. In combination, two track sections A- B andB-C, a track relay for section A'B, a relay for section B-C normally energized but de-energized by a train enterin the section, a stick relay for section B-L, a pickup circuit for said stick relay closed only when said track relay is de-energized, means for normally supplying track circuit current to one end of section B-G, and means effective only when said stick relay is energized and said second relay is de-energized to discontinue said supply of current and to sup ply track circuit current to the opposite end of section BC, and means forkeeping said stickrela closed while a train occupies sectlOn I 8. In combination, a right hand and a left hand section of railway track, a track relay for said right hand section, a line relay for said right hand section controlled in part by said'track relay, a track relay for said left hand section, a stick relay for said righthand section; a circuit for said stick relay including a source of energy, a front contact on said line relay, and a back contact on said second track relay, and apparatus for said right hand section controlled in part, by said i stick relay for controlling trafiic moving from left to right; i

9. In combination, a forward and a rear section of railway track, a: track relay for (iii , said rear section, a source of alternating current normally connected across the rails adjacent the rear end of-said forward section, a second source of alternating current located adjacent the forward end ofsaid forward section but normally disconnected therefrom, a stick relay for said forward section, means for energizing said stick relay as soon as said track relay is de-energizcd by a train in the rear section moving toward the forward section, and train controlled means operating when said train enters the forward section to disconnect said first source from and connect said second source with'the rails of the section provided said stick relay is energized.

10. In combination, two adjacent sections of railway tracks A-B and BC, a normally energized relay for section A.-B, a source of track circuit current normally connected across the rails of sect-ion BC at the end B, a second source of track circuit current for section B C located at the end C but normally disconnected from the rails, two track relays R and S the first of which is constantly connected across the rails of section BC at the end B and the latter of which is normally connected across the rails at the end C of section BC, a line relay H controlled by front contacts of track relays R and S a stick relay for sec tion BC providedwith a pick-up circuit controlled by the back contact of the relay for sectionA-B andjby a front contact of line relay H9, a holding circuit for relay 'E controlled by a back contact of track relay R means operating only when relay E is energized and relay H is de-energized to disconnect from the track rails the source of section BC, the former constantly connect-- ed with the track rails, an impedance interposed between said relay R and one of the rails of the associated section, means: at each end of said section B-C for supplying alternating current to the track rails, a stick relay E for said section BC, a track relay S for section AB, a. line relay for section BC controlled by said track relays R and S", a circuit for said stick relay including a front contact of said line relay and aback contact of said track relay S means controlled by said stick relay for connecting the one or the other of said means to the rails of the section B-C, and means controlled by said line relay and said stick relay for at times completing a branch of low resistance around said impedance.

12. In combination, two adjacent sections of railway track AB and BG, a normally energized relay for section AB, two

trans'lorniiers located adjacent the ends of section li -G and having their secondaries constantly connected with the rails of the section, two'track relays R and S the first ofv which is constantly connected across the rails of section BC at the end B, and. the latter of which is normally connected across the rails of section BO at the end on line relay H controlled by front contacts of track relays R and S a stick relay for section BC provided with a pick-up circnitcontrolled by the back contact of the relay for section A-B and by a front contact of line relay II, a holding circuit for relay E controlled. by a back contact of track relay R a circuit for the primary of the transforn'ier located at end B of section BCincluding a back contact of said stick relay, a branch for said circuit including a front contact of said line relay but not said contact or said stick relay, a repeater relay G controlled by back contacts of relays R and S and by a front contact of stick relay E and means operating when the repeater relay G is energized to disconnect track relay S from the track rails and to complete the circuit for the primary of the remaining transformer.

13. In combination, two successive secti-ons of track, a stick relay for the second section, means controlled by a train in the first section for energizing said relay if the second section is unoccupied, a track circuit for the second section normally comprising a source of current connected with the rails at the end adjacent the first section, apparatus controlled in part by said relay and in part by train governed apparatus associated with the second section, said first-mentioned apparatus operating to disconnect said source of current from the rails and to connect a second source with the rails adjacent the other end of the second section when a train enters the second section from the first section provided the relay is energized, and means for keeping said relay energizeifl until such train leaves the second section.

14. In combination, a forward and a rear track section, a stick relay for said forward section, traliic controlled means in said rear section for energizing said stick relay when such forward section is unoccupied, and traffic cont-rolled means in said forward section for closing a holding circuit for said stick relay; and means controlled in part by said stick relay and in part by said trafiic controlled means in the forward section for connecting train control energy at one end of said forward track section.

15; In combination, a forward and a rear section of railway track, a source of train control energy normally connected with the rails adjacent one end of said forward section, a stick relay for said forward sec tion, 'trai'iic controlled'means in said rear sec tion' for energizing said stick relay when such forward section is unoccupied and tra'liic cont-rolled means in said forward section for closing a holding circuit for said stick relay; and means controlled in part by said stick relay and in part by said traffic controlled means in the forward section for disconnecting said first source and connecting a second source of train control energy with the rails adjacent the other end of said forward section. I

16. Railway traiiic controlliim' apparatus.

comprising a section of railway track, a

source of track circuit current normally tit) connected across the rails adjacent the left hand end. of said section, a track relay connected across the lefthand end of said sec-q tion, a second track relay normally connected across the rails adjacent the right hand end of said section, a line relay controlled in part by said track relays, a stick relay controlled in part by said line relay and arranged to be energized by a train approaching said section before such train enters the section, and means controlled by said stick relay and said first track relay for disconnecting said source of current from the track rails.

17. In combination, asection of railway track, a source of current adjacent one end of the sect-ion but normally disconnected from the rails, a normally tie-energized relay, means controlled by a train appr0aching said section from one direction but not from the other direction for energizing said relay before the train enters the section, means for keeping said relay energized while a train which has caused it to become energized is passing through the section, and means controlled by said relay for connecting said source with the rails of said section.

18. In combination, a section of railway track, a first source of current normally con nected with the rails adjacent one end of said section, a second source of current ad jacent the other end of the section but normally disconnected from the rails, a normally tie-energized relay, means controlled by a train approaching said section from 'one direction but not from the other direct-ion for energizing said relay before the train enters the section, means for keepmg said relay energized while a train which has caused it to become energized is passing through the section, and means controlled by said relay for disconnecting from the rails, a normally de-energized relay, means controlled by a train approaching said section from one direction but not from the other direction for energizing said relay before the trainenters the section, atrack relay for said section, means controlled by said track relay for keeping said normally de-energized relay energized While a train which has caused it to become energized is passingthrough the section, and means controlled by said'two relays for connecting said source with the rails of the sectiom 20. In combination, a section of railway track, a first source of current normally con-= nected with the rails adjacent one end of said section, a second source of current adjacent the other end of the section but normadly disconnected from the rails, a nor mally de-energized relay, means controlled by a train approaching said section from one direction but not from the other direction for energizing said relay before the train enters the section, a track relay for said section, a line relay for said section controlled by said track relay,v means for keeping said normally de-energized relay energized while a train which has caused it to become energized is passing through the section,- and means operating to disconnect said first source from and connect said second source with the rails of said section when and only When said normally de-energized relay is energized and said line relay is (lo-energized. v

21. In combination, a section of railway track, a first source of current normally con nected with the rails adjacent one end of said section, a second source of current adj jacent the other end of the section but nor mally disconnected from the rails, a normally deenergized relay, means controlled by a train approaching said section from one direction but not from the other direction for energizing said relay before thetrain ture.

HERBERT A. WALLACE. 

